Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 27 February 2012:

With reference to coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga Forest, and given that it is the largest temperate woodland left in eastern Australia, arguably a perfect example of an 'ecosystem of national significance': In the upcoming reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999:

(a) will the Government open up the proposed new trigger of 'ecosystems of national significance' to public nominations, thereby enabling areas such as the Pilliga Forest to receive due recognition; and

(b) if not, will the Government undertake an assessment of the Pilliga Forest for potential classification as an 'ecosystem of national significance' if the reforms are implemented.